The Nordics
Dawn of ‘noctourism’: the top 10 Nordic after-dark experiences
‘Noctourism’ is the new Nordic night adventure
Night owls, rejoice – 2025 is the year of ‘noctourism’. As daytime crowds swell and rising temperatures make midday travel less appealing, more travellers are swapping sunshine for starlight. The Nordics, with their Arctic darkness, long summer twilights and near-zero light pollution, are the perfect place to explore after dark. From aurora chasing to midnight fjord kayaking, after-hours adventures are redefining how we experience the region. So, what’s worth staying up for? We’ve rounded up the best after-dark experiences in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland – no early wake-up calls required.
Top photography courtesy of Geosea
What is ‘noctourism’?
Travel, once a pursuit of sun-soaked days and bright-lit attractions, is shifting into darker territory. ’Noctourism’ – the growing trend of seeking out travel experiences after dark – is one of Booking.com’s top predictions for 2025. More travellers are trading daytime crowds for the stillness of the night, drawn to everything from starbathing to night safaris.
Climate concerns play a role too: as global temperatures rise, over half of travellers say they plan to avoid the midday sun, opting instead for cooler, nighttime adventures. The Nordics, with their vast stretches of unspoiled wilderness and some of the darkest skies in Europe, are emerging as the perfect playground for after-dark exploration.
Why is ‘noctourism’ gaining traction in the Nordics?
For most, the first thing that comes to mind is aurora chasing. The Northern Lights have long been the Nordics’ ultimate nighttime spectacle, pulling visitors into the Arctic depths of Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland in search of that elusive glow. But beyond the auroras, a different kind of nocturnal tourism is taking shape – one that embraces the full spectrum of the Nordic night, from moonlit fjord kayaking to pitch-dark forest walks designed to heighten the senses.
New ways to experience the Nordic night
With space tourism edging closer to reality, many travellers are looking for a more grounded way to connect with the cosmos. According to Booking.com, 62% of travellers are considering trips to dark sky destinations, while 72% are drawn to starbathing – essentially sunbathing, but swapping heat for celestial views. The Nordics, with their low light pollution and endless horizons, are an obvious choice. In Swedish and Finnish Lapland, winter skies offer some of the clearest stargazing in Europe, while Iceland’s volcanic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for constellation tracking.
But ’noctourism’ in the Nordics is about more than just looking up. Norway’s fjords take on a different kind of beauty at night, with twilight kayaking allowing travellers to paddle through mirror-like waters in near silence. In Denmark, guided night walks through forests strip away visual distractions, forcing the other senses to take over. Sweden is seeing a rise in ’dark dining’ – restaurants where meals are eaten by candlelight or in complete darkness, heightening taste and smell.
Beating the heat (and the UV rays)
Beyond the allure of the night itself, ’noctourism’ is also a practical response to a warming world. With temperatures rising, 54% of travellers say they’ll prioritise nighttime activities, while 42% are actively seeking out cooler destinations. The Nordics offer an obvious advantage – long summer nights where the sun lingers without its midday intensity, and deep winter darkness that turns the landscape into a playground for night-based adventures. For the 61% of travellers looking to reduce their UV exposure, the night offers the ultimate shade.
Dark skies, deeper connections
’Noctourism’ is also linked to a growing awareness of light pollution and its effects on nature. More than half (54%) of travellers say they’d book accommodation without artificial lighting to help protect nocturnal ecosystems. The Nordics, always ahead in sustainability, are responding with remote eco-lodges, glass igloos and dark sky reserves that prioritise natural darkness over artificial illumination.
What was once an afterthought in travel is now the main attraction. The Nordic night, whether spent under the auroras, drifting through a quiet fjord or simply walking in total darkness, is becoming a destination in its own right.
01
Soak in the views of Skjálfandi bay
As the sun dips below the horizon, Geosea’s mineral-rich thermal waters seem to glow under the northern sky. With its clifftop location in Húsavík, this design-forward retreat offers an immersion in Iceland’s natural and architectural beauty. Sliding into the geothermal infinity pools, we felt an immediate calm when sliding our bodies into the warm saltwater while the crisp sea air forms steam from our breath . The beautiful low-profile architecture blending with the landscape – ensuring unobstructed views of Skjálfandi Bay and, if luck’s on your side, the aurora dancing overhead. Night bathing here is pure Nordic indulgence and unforgettable moments of serenity.
Geosea
Húsavík
Iceland
Photography courtesy of Geosea
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
02
Wander through history
At night, when dusk settles over the Baltic Sea, Stammershalle Badehotel invites guests to embark on the unique ’Bornholm går i sort’ experience, on select Saturdays in November and December. We joined fellow travellers in a pitch black journey through the surrounding nature, guided by the owner of the hotel’. Stories of Bornholm’s heritage unfolded, interesting tales of eccentricity, innovation and war-time mysteries. The evening culminated in a visit to the hotel’s beautiful and extensive wine cellar, excavated beneath the hotel, out of the bedrock, using dynamite!
Read the review on Stammershalle Badehotel.
Stammershalle Badehotel
Sdr. Strandvej 128
Gudhjem
Denmark
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Photography courtesy of Stammershalle badehotel
03
Discover Gothenburg by night
Gothenburg transforms after dark and getting a night time perspective on its history, architecture and highlights is both fun and a different way to explore its streets. Begin at the historic Gothenburg Town Hall, where Gunnar Asplund’s 1936 extensionseamlessly blends classical and modern architectural styles. Stroll to Götaplatsen, home to the iconic Poseidon statue by Carl Milles, surrounded by cultural landmarks like the Gothenburg Museum of Art and the Concert Hall. Visit Stora Saluhallen, the city’s largest indoor market, where global flavours meet local flair. Meander through Haga Nygata, with its cosy cafés perfect for a late Swedish fika, and admire the striking Neo-Gothic design of Oscar Fredrik Church.
04
Learn about Sámi culture
By the warmth of a fire, you will hear the story behind the profound cultural significance of the bear, a sacred figure in Sámi tradition. Through captivating tales, the bear ceremony comes to life, showcasing rituals rooted in respect and gratitude for nature. The evening blends storytelling with tradition, highlighting the interconnectedness of life in Sámi culture. The experience concludes with a tasting of bear meat, its rich and smoky flavour adding a tangible connection to the stories told. This immersive journey offers a rare glimpse into the spirituality and heritage of the Sámi people.
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05
Soak in Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Located in the midst of the raw beauty of Iceland’s coastline, Hvammsvík Hot Springs feels like stepping into nature’s private sanctuary. The geothermal pools are integrated into their surroundings, with each pool offering a different temperature to suit your mood. As always in this part of the world the contrast of the warm water and the cool sea breeze is striking. The view – snow-dusted mountains tumbling into the Atlantic – is breathtaking. With a design that respects the rugged landscape, Hvammsvík invites a deeper connection to Iceland’s natural elements. It’s a perfect retreat if you’re into thoughtful design, soothing waters and a moment to breathe in pure Nordic tranquillity.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Hvammsvík
Iceland
Photography courtesy of Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
06
Enjoy a nocturnal horseback ride
An evening ride with the endangered Lyngen horse is an unforgettable way to experience Tromsø’s Arctic wilderness. These gentle, soft-tempered horses make the journey both relaxing and awe-inspiring. Starting at the oldest Lyngen horse stud farm, you’ll learn about this rare Norwegian breed, raised amidst the midnight sun and northern lights. As the trail winds through snow-draped landscapes, the crisp air and sweeping views set the stage for the auroras to steal the show – if the skies allow.
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
07
See Oslo by night
Experience Oslo’s magic under the soft glow of its evening lights on a 60-minute walking tour with a local. Starting at the striking Oslo Opera House, the city takes on a whole new charm after sunset, with landmarks like The Tiger and the fjord promenade illuminated against the night sky. The tranquil streets reveal Oslo’s understated but vibrant nightlife and your guide peppers the walk with stories, cultural insights and recommendations for cosy bars and late-night spots. The small group size keeps the experience intimate, making it feel like a relaxed stroll with a friend. A perfect way to uncover Oslo’s allure after dark.
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
08
Immerse yourself in a forest lagoon
As night falls over Eyjafjörður, the Forest Lagoon transforms into a magical retreat. The pools, illuminated softly against the surrounding birch and pine forest, invite you to soak under a canopy of stars. The crisp evening air heightens the warmth of the geothermal waters, while the tranquil sounds of the forest create a meditative atmosphere. The Finnish dry sauna, with its sweeping views of the moonlit fjord and distant mountains, offers the perfect contrast when paired with an exhilarating cold plunge. After your soak, linger at the Forest Bistro, where the flickering indoor fireplace complements locally inspired dishes. A night at the Forest Lagoon is pure Nordic enchantment, blending natural serenity with sophisticated design.
Forest Lagoon
Vaðlaskógur 605
Akureyri
Iceland
Photography courtesy of Forest Lagoon
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
09
Connect with reindeer and Arctic traditions
Evenings at the reindeer camp in Breivikeidet are nothing short of magical. Nestled between the Lyngen Alps, the camp’s remote location offers an ideal backdrop for spotting the northern lights. Under the Arctic night sky, you’ll feed and pet the gentle reindeer, their soft breaths rising like mist in the cold air. Afterward, step into a Gamme, a traditional Sámi turf-covered hut, to enjoy the warmth and savour a special meal of Bithos, a dish reserved for festive occasions. The evening is enriched by joik, an ancient form of Sámi singing that conveys deep emotion and storytelling. With or without auroras, this is an unforgettable glimpse into Sámi culture and Arctic beauty.
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
10
Float on ice in a fjord
Drift into the heart of the Arctic with this unforgettable ice-floating experience in Tromsø. Suited up in a premium neoprene survival suit, you’ll stay warm and buoyant as you relax in the frigid waters of Kaldfjord, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine wilderness. The stillness of the moment is surreal, amplifying every sound and sensation, and if you’re lucky, the northern lights may paint the sky above. After the float, warm up with freshly made Norwegian waffles, served with butter and jam and a comforting cup of tea or coffee.
Book now through The Nordic Nomad
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